What would be considered “works?”

Question:

I am writing to ask a question, but first I want to say I really like the new look of your web site. Very nice and appealing too.

My question may seem elementary, but I am finding that maybe it isn't for me. I am questioning this: What would be considered 'works'? In the Bible, it says that faith isn't enough, but to do works also. So what would be considered 'works'? I understand that prayer, love for others, this type of thing is mentioned, but what more can I do?

As an example, you know I live alone, in a town with no congregation. However, as I meet folks, during conversations, I bring up items that might be Bible-related. Or if they mention something I know to be wrong according to the Bible, I take the opportunity to bring up what the Bible says about that.

But would my desire and willingness to do better be considered a work? Because, before, I was kind of losing my caring about this problem. Now I find it is better. This is also an issue that concerns my home and keeping it clean. I think this was part in due to my depression, but I am trying to fight that and make it better. And is my desire to do better and trying to do better with personal issues such as cleanliness something to be considered a work?

Also, just in a short time of speaking with a child, I mentioned to the child why dogs do what they do since God made them that way. (I was cleaning up after my dog's toilet area outside, and the neighbor boy was standing there and talking about dogs pooping outside.) So I took the moment to speak about God to him. I don't know if his parents teach him about the Bible, but I felt that a simple word to a child may help him later. Would this be the right thing to do?

Answer:

Thank you for noticing the changes. I've been wanting to update the web site's look for a while. I finally got a chance to put all the pieces in place last week.

What you mention are all works of God because you are doing the things God has asked each Christian to do. There is an article that I would like you to read, "How It Works," that should broaden your idea of what is considered work in God's sight. Basically, work is putting the things you've learned and believe into practice.

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22-25).

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